Micro weddings are becoming more popular because they solve a wide range of problems that often surface when planning a traditional celebration.
These intimate events are not only budget-friendly but they also give you more room to get creative with your venue.
Micro weddings are usually much easier to plan than traditional weddings.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what micro weddings are and why you should consider having one.
We’ve also included a list of five of our favorite, unique micro wedding ideas to help you kickstart the planning for your special day.
⛪ What Is a Micro Wedding?
A micro wedding is a smaller version of a traditional wedding, typically only hosting around 40 guests. The ceremonies are also more intimate.
You can still have all of the same traditions included in your ceremony—like reading your vows to one another, getting married in a church, or tossing the bouquet.
💭 Why Should You Have a Micro Wedding?
💰 One of the biggest appeals of micro weddings is that they are cost-effective ways to celebrate your special day. You’ll typically spend less on:
- The venue.
- Decorations.
- Wedding favors.
- Bridal party and groomsmen outfits.
📍 You’ll also have unique venue options with special micro wedding packages. Some places only offer limited catering and accommodation that can’t handle bigger groups of people.
🛫 You may be able to consider your own destination micro wedding abroad since you’ll be hosting fewer guests
🕺 Micro wedding venues also allow you to spend quality time with your guests—something that’s not always possible at big weddings.
😬 Micro weddings are normally less overwhelming because they require less planning compared to traditional weddings.
💃 5 Creative Micro Wedding Ideas
Now that you’ve learned about the advantages of having a micro wedding, let’s take a look at a few creative ways for you to tie the knot.
🏜 Elope in the desert
Hosting your micro wedding in the desert is a great option for couples who want a secret or remote wedding.
A desert wedding has an adventurous spin to it, owing to the vast landscapes, canyons, and dunes surrounding you.
Not to mention that you’ll have sunshine nearly year round!
This means that you can easily get married in traditional ‘off-season’ months that tend to be less popular because of colder weather.
This may allow you to find cheaper wedding vendors and accommodation.
Inspiration
Take a look at Shannon and Todd’s intimate celebration that took place in Canyonlands National Park.
This couple drove to the canyon together, had their morning coffee, and strapped on their hiking boots.
After a short, intimate wedding ceremony filled with heartfelt letters from friends and family, Shannon and Todd took a walk to the edge of one of the cliffs to exchange their vows.
Their décor blended in with the natural landscape but provided enough color to stand out—like Shannon’s beaded necklace and bright blue flowers.
Here’s how you can create an amazing desert wedding:
🌞 Some locations may only be accessible for a number of people. Consider this when putting together your guest list. You’ll also need to think about who would be able to walk or climb short distances, if necessary.
🌞 Opt for soft brown and reddish tones for your décor but add a contrasting color, like Shannon and Todd did. This will make your pictures pop.
🌞 Be sure to check the rules of the National Park or conservation organizations at the location you want to use. Some places don’t allow events and you could face a fine if you’re caught.
🌿 Get married in your garden
If you or a family member has a picturesque garden, that could be the perfect location to host your micro wedding.
The space will be intimate and familiar to you, which helps to make the day feel less overwhelming. You also won’t need to splurge on wedding venue costs.
Inspiration
Take a look at Cindy and Mike’s garden wedding. Although they didn’t get married in someone’s backyard, they chose a venue with a large garden close to where they live.
The venue was already beautiful on its own, allowing the couple to spend the money reserved for decorations on something else.
Cindy worked with a florist to create a unique bouquet that matched their wedding colors. The florist also made similar arrangements for the dining table.
The couple approached their guest list like a dinner party, only inviting close friends and immediate family. Cindy and Mike also chose traditions that felt familiar to them.
Here’s how you can do the same:
🌳 Choose the lushest spot in the garden for your ceremony. This helps to create a beautiful backdrop for you to tie the knot.
🌳 Use existing furniture to set up the ceremony and reception areas. You can even ask your wedding guests to carry their ceremony chairs to the dining table for a unique twist.
🌳 Handcraft some of your decorations. Cindy and Mike took time to paint their signage and even made their own macramé hangings for the chair.
🎈 Say ‘I do’ in a hot air balloon
If you’re looking for a very intimate yet equally memorable way to tie the knot, a hot air balloon micro wedding might be perfect for you.
Depending on the size of the hot air balloon, your guest list may range between 6 to 10 people—including you, your partner, the officiant, and the pilot.
There are many adventure companies around the country that offer hot air balloon wedding packages.
These typically include champagne and may also cater meals or snacks to you and your guests.
Inspiration
This couple decided to have a small wedding ceremony with just the two of them going up in the air with their officiant.
When the balloon reached peak height, overlooking the vast landscape below, Sarah and Garrett said ‘I do.’
Their photographer and guests were waiting for them on the ground, ready to pop the champagne and start the celebrations.
Here’s how you can do the same:
🥂 Check the weather before you arrange your trip. Hot air balloons won’t be able to take off in stormy or windy conditions, so plan accordingly.
🥂 Ensure that all your guests are comfortable with the idea. If not, you can always host a meal or small reception when you’re back on the ground to accommodate everyone.
🥂 You probably won’t need a lot of decorations when you’re up in the air but this means you can splurge on other things.
🥂 Opt for a custom-made wedding bouquet for your partner or spend a little more on wedding favors.
🏛️ Get married at an interesting architectural spot
For art and architecture-loving couples, hosting a micro wedding at an iconic or interesting building can be a good option.
Not only will this type of location form a culturally significant backdrop for your ceremony, but it can also provide many great photo opportunities.
You and your partner will also be showing your passion for something you love.
Inspiration
Take a look at some of these iconic wedding venues from around the world for some inspiration. Here are our top three picks:
🌆 The Ribbon Chapel in Japan was designed with two intertwining, spiral staircases meant to symbolize the act of marriage.
The two parties travel up each staircase separately before meeting at the top where the ceremony will take place.
🌆 Beaux Arts City Hall in San Francisco features a domed room with ceilings that are over 300 feet tall.
Your wedding ceremony will take place on the Mayor’s Balcony that overlooks the grand staircase.
Once you’ve tied the knot, you’ll be set up for a gold-tinted evening under the ornate ceilings.
🌆 The Wayfarer’s Chapel in California blends architecture and nature, with it’s wooden beams, rocky pulpit, and leafy foliage along the pews.
This chapel is hidden among the trees to create a secluded and ethereal feel for you and your guests.
🚞 Tie the knot in an abandoned train depot
If you’re looking for a truly unique way to tie the knot, why not have a railway-themed wedding?
You can even do some research on old train stations or depots that you can use for a venue.
This gives you an artsy backdrop with a historical twist that will make your special day extra memorable.
Inspiration
Some places, like El Adobe de Capistrano, have converted old train depots into picturesque venues and eateries.
You’ll have access to staff, a bar, and a menu that features authentic Mexican cuisine.
Here’s how you can make your train depot micro wedding even more special:
🚉 If possible, have your guests arrive by train and spend the weekend on board. Some venues may have special arrangements with train companies that can allow you to do this.
🚉 Find fun ways to incorporate railway-themed décor into your wedding.
🚉 Embrace unique traditions to go with your special venue—like using a train car as your way to travel to and from the venue. You can also ask your wedding party to have conductor-style outfits!
Plan Your Perfect Day with Alpine Rings
At Alpine Rings, we know that your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life.
It’s natural to want to do everything you can to make it as memorable as possible, but the process can be stressful and time-consuming—especially if you have to cater for several guests!
That’s why hosting a micro wedding may be the perfect solution for you.
Not only are these smaller wedding celebrations cost-effective, but they also give you the opportunity to spend your special day with the people that matter the most to you.
Micro weddings also give you much more flexibility when it comes to picking an interesting venue.
This article outlined five of the best micro wedding ideas, as well as helpful tips to kickstart your wedding planning.
If you are looking for even more inspiration, our blog has a number of useful articles to help you prepare for your wedding day and beyond.